Linz`s president comments first ECLW semi-final leg against reigning champion Berlin Linz AG Froschberg is still full of optimism in spite of losing the first ECLW semi-final home game against the reigning champion TTC Berlin Eastside 3:2. President of Austrian side Gunther RENNER explains why he believes that his side is capable to reach the 2016/17 final after the returning match (April 7th). But first of all he comments the first clash held last Sunday in Linz: “It was one of the most dramatic exciting and above all high-class ECLW games of all time that we experienced in the sold-out Sportpark Lissfeld. Spectators permanently cheered for their team and were happy about fantastic rallies. In addition to this thanks to ORF TV the live coverage optically adjusted to table tennis provided excellent pictures (with 5 cameras including slow-motion). Thanks to LAOLA who took over the signal from ORF the whole planet could enjoy in this table tennis clash”. RENNER explains what determined the winner of the first game: “Our players were very well prepared for the match. Once again a perfect set-up was achieved. Certainly the crucial was the fact that the young Sofia POLCANOVA – who had recently been very successful in the international tournaments – was unable to cope with the pressure on her playing extremely nervous. On the other side SHAN Xiaona showed high-class table tennis to overcome LIU Ja in the breathtaking game”. Last year in the quarter-final stage Linz also lost first home leg to Metz 3:2. But in an aggregate score they won by super narrow margin – 19:19 in sets 347:346 in points. RENNER expects one more close encounter: “The Score of 2:3 or 3:2 does not play a determining role. We have nothing to lose in the rematch. We are expecting a hard fight in do-or-die match in Berlin. Sofia POLCANOVA played below her usual level thus if she plays in her normal shape she would be able to compete against the top players of Berlin. Nothing has been decided yet. Memories of the last year are still fresh when we lost home game against Metz 2:3 but managed to progress thanks to a single point”.
DHS Unveils Black Table Tennis Table for 2017 World Championships
Double Happiness (DHS) the official table supplier of the Liebherr 2017 World Table Tennis Championships has unveiled the table tennis table where history will be made on at the biggest table tennis event on earth in Düsseldorf Germany from 29 May to 5 June 2017. Themed “Black is Bold” the new addition to DHS’s line of “Rainbow” table tennis tables features a stylish sleek black table top while the classic “Rainbow Arch” design which represents the connection of the continents at the World’s biggest table tennis event as well as the graceful arcs of the table tennis ball whilst playing. Upon the unveiling of the iconic table DHS General Manager Mr. LOU Shihe stated “The show court table for 2017 World Table Tennis Championships is based on the design of the 2015 event Rainbow table. Its overview becomes much more stereoscopic and layered with the fusion of the German Flag element and the event logo illuminated by the LED light system. In this case the whole table takes on a good combination of its visual identity and color blending if it is shot at a lower angle and closer distance to bring about a fresh experience for spectators.” “Undoubtedly the development and application of the table cannot be successful without great support of ITTF and the Organizing Committee. ITTF always attach great importance to and give big support to its research and production.” ITTF Marketing and Commercial Director Mr. Steve DAINTON added “DHS has been an important partner for the ITTF for many years. In 2005 they introduced the “Rainbow Table” which was a revolution in show court tables. This year they keep their icon but with a bold new table top color black and combine it with the German national colors. A sleek look which shows how strong design mixed with amazing Colors can help showcase the sport of table tennis at the highest level. I guess we can also see with this table that the relations between China and Germany are also strong the World Champions in the two most Global sports in the World – Table Tennis and Football.” The Liebherr 2017 World Table Tennis Championships to be held at the Messe Düsseldorf from 29 May to 5 June 2017 will see the world’s best table tennis players battle for honor to be crowned World Champions and make history on the historic “Black Rainbow” in the following categories: Men’s Singles – Title Holder: MA Long (China) Women’s Singles – Title Holder: DING Ning (China) Men’s Doubles – Title Holder: XU Xin (China) & ZHANG Jike (China) Women’s Doubles – Title Holder: LIU Shiwen (China) & ZHU Yuling (China) Mixed Doubles – Title Holder: XU Xin (China) & YANG Haeun (Korea Republic)
PALINA emphasizes two “key points” in Linz
Berlin`s coach speaks about first semi-final leg of the 2016/17 ECLW Reigning ECLW champion TTC Berlin Eastside managed to stay unbeaten so far in the ongoing season but they were faced with huge challenge in Linz last Sunday. German club reversed the score from 1:2 to 3:2. “Bearing in mind actual situation with injuries and gripping our players I am very satisfied with results first semifinal. The girls once again showed what professionalism is and how they can concentrate when it is very important” stated Berlin`s coach Irina PALINA. In the last two matches SHAN Xiaona prevailed against LIU Jia while Georgina POTA concluded the clash by her victory against Sofia POLCANOVA. “My opinion is that there were two key points in the match. Matches of Peti (SOLJA) and Nana (SHAN). The goal for Peti was at least to finish the game because of the injury on the Top 16 she did not practice and did not know how to lead the hand during the match. Of course after Peti took the match 2: 1 we all hope that may be…. but as say “there are no miracles in the world only in the movies”. The second point of course was the match Nana against LIU Jia. With two serves mistakes from 10:9 in fourth set she managed to snatch victory. And big respect on Gina (POTA) with 3:0 against POLCANOVA. It’s was very good for sets balance!” Returning game will be held on April 7th in Berlin.
PALINA emphasizes two “key points” in Linz
Berlin`s coach speaks about first semi-final leg of the 2016/17 ECLW Reigning ECLW champion TTC Berlin Eastside managed to stay unbeaten so far in the ongoing season but they were faced with huge challenge in Linz last Sunday. German club reversed the score from 1:2 to 3:2. “Bearing in mind actual situation with injuries and gripping our players I am very satisfied with results first semifinal. The girls once again showed what professionalism is and how they can concentrate when it is very important” stated Berlin`s coach Irina PALINA. In the last two matches SHAN Xiaona prevailed against LIU Jia while Georgina POTA concluded the clash by her victory against Sofia POLCANOVA. “My opinion is that there were two key points in the match. Matches of Peti (SOLJA) and Nana (SHAN). The goal for Peti was at least to finish the game because of the injury on the Top 16 she did not practice and did not know how to lead the hand during the match. Of course after Peti took the match 2: 1 we all hope that may be…. but as say “there are no miracles in the world only in the movies”. The second point of course was the match Nana against LIU Jia. With two serves mistakes from 10:9 in fourth set she managed to snatch victory. And big respect on Gina (POTA) with 3:0 against POLCANOVA. It’s was very good for sets balance!” Returning game will be held on April 7th in Berlin.
ETTU Development Camp U-14 in Otocec
Slovenia hosts one of ETTU Development Program events Slovenian city of Otocec hosts ETTU Development Camp U-14 from March 12th to 19th as one of several annual camps from ETTU Development Program. In total 18 players from 11 countries are at disposal of two head coaches Joze URH and Vesna OJSTERSEK. Young players have the best possible conditions from accommodations to the coaching staff and practices. Eminent coach Mate LEJO is responsible for fitness program.
ETTU Development Camp U-14 in Otocec
Slovenia hosts one of ETTU Development Program events Slovenian city of Otocec hosts ETTU Development Camp U-14 from March 12th to 19th as one of several annual camps from ETTU Development Program. In total 18 players from 11 countries are at disposal of two head coaches Joze URH and Vesna OJSTERSEK. Young players have the best possible conditions from accommodations to the coaching staff and practices. Eminent coach Mate LEJO is responsible for fitness program.
Budapest hosts 2019 European Veterans Championship
The ETTU Executive Board is pleased to announce the 2019 European Veterans Championships has been awarded to the Hungarian Table Tennis Association to be held in the capital city of Budapest. After the meeting of the Executive Board yesterday in Noordwijk ETTU President Ronald KRAMER said: “The Executive Board was pleased with both presentations supporting the bids from the Croatian and Hungarian Associations for the 2019 European Veterans Championships. Both Associations have performed very well in recent times: in 2016 our European Youth Championships was most successfully staged in Zagreb and our European Championships was also very succesfully hosted in Budapest. During our discussions we agreed that both bids for Zagreb and Budapest were very good and both Associations and cities are fully capable and ready to organise such a big event.” President Ronald KRAMER further explained: “As often it was not easy to decide but the challenge included in the bid from the Hungarian TTA – where the veterans championship will be organised shortly before or after the World Championships 2019 in Budapest – was considered to be cleverly connecting these two major events. Both from an economic participants’ and spectators’ point of view. This led to our decision.” The ETTU Executive Board was equally impressed by Croatia’s presentation. “Our Croatian friends do not need to feel too disappointed. I must add that the Executive Board was impressed by their very good bid and equally fine presentation.” Last year ITTF European Championships returned to Budapest after 34 years break and they stood up to the challenge successfully.
Coach HEISTER praises his players
„Everyone has done his job very well” stated Borussia`s coach after 3:0 away win against reigning TTCLM champion Pontoise After first semi-final game last Thursday Borussia Dusseldorf is just one step away from its 7th final in modern TTCLM history actually since the season of 1998/99. They beat away reigning TTCLM champion Pontoise Cergy 3:0 (9:5) and now – as their manager Andreas PREUSS stressed – they are standing with one leg in the final. Stefan FEGERL has paved way to the victory in France as he beat Pontoise`s leading player Marcos FREITAS in the opening match. Caoch Danny HEISTER emphasizes that moment speaking for Borussia`s website: “Stefan has been fully prepared for the game against FREITAS because we knew that this meeting is coming. Everyone has done his job very well. It was technically and tactically very challenging clash”. Pontoise and Borussia met twice in the last two seasons both times in the quarter-final stage. Two years ago German team managed to surpass Pontoise`s advantage from the 1st leg (3:1 11:6) responding with 3:1 11:5 in the returning game. Borussia won thanks to better set-ratio (17:16). Last year French champion progressed with an aggregate score of 6-3 Timo BOLL explains why he was fully concentrated on his duel with Tristan FLORE playing second match last Thursday: “FLORE always plays very good against me because I have problems with his service. I’m glad I’ve won in the end”. Third point added former Pontoise`s member Kristian KARLSSON who overcame his compatriot and team mate from Swedish national team Mattias KARLSSON. German club record holder with 10 TTCLM crowns won four titles (1999/00 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11) in previous 18 seasons playing two more finals (1998/99 2014/15). Returning game will take a place on April 7th in the ARAG CenterCourt.
ITTF Executive Committee Meets in Dubai
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Executive Committee led by ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT met at the Dubai offices of Falcon and Associates – a strategic advisory company working on behalf of the Dubai leadership – on 11 March 2017. ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT stated after the meeting: “Thank you to our hosts Falcon and Associates for their warm hospitality in Dubai. Dubai is a beautiful city and will be a perfect location to hold TTX events the new anywhere anytime form of table tennis. Today we had fruitful meetings discussing the future strategy of the ITTF to grow the sport in all aspects.” President of the UAE Table Tennis and Badminton Association His Excellency Eng. Dawood AL HAJRI delivered a welcome note to the visiting delegation. In addition to the Executive Committee meeting Thomas WEIKERT ITTF Vice-President SHI Zhihao and ITTF CEO Judit FARAGO visited the offices of Dubai Sports Council on 12 March. Dubai Sport Council Secretary General His Excellency Saeed HAREB welcomed officials to discuss the growth of the game in Dubai and the possibility of the emirate hosting major table tennis events in the future. The ITTF Executive Committee decided to endorse the four applications received (Bahamas Cape Verde Eritrea and Guinea-Bissau) for consideration to be accepted as members of the ITTF at the Annual General Meeting to be held in Dusseldorf on 31 May 2017. Mr. WEIKERT will visit Guinea-Bissau the last applicant in April. Once the ITTF AGM accepts these four associations ITTF will be present in all countries in the world a total of 226 being the first international federation to do so. The ITTF Executive Committee revised the propositions and resolutions to be presented to the Annual General Meeting as well as confirming the adoption of the ITTF Ethics Code also for approval at the AGM The Marketing Department updated the ITTF Executive Committee on the deal recently signed with Seamaster as the Title Sponsor of the ITTF World Tour and also of the ITTF Challenge Chile Open and Brazil Open. The ITTF Executive Committee was also updated on the ITTF competition calendar and event allocations.The next meeting will take place prior to the AGM on 28 May 2017 in Dusseldorf Germany.
ITTF Executive Committee Meets in Dubai
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Executive Committee led by ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT met at the Dubai offices of Falcon and Associates – a strategic advisory company working on behalf of the Dubai leadership – on 11 March 2017. ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT stated after the meeting: “Thank you to our hosts Falcon and Associates for their warm hospitality in Dubai. Dubai is a beautiful city and will be a perfect location to hold TTX events the new anywhere anytime form of table tennis. Today we had fruitful meetings discussing the future strategy of the ITTF to grow the sport in all aspects.” President of the UAE Table Tennis and Badminton Association His Excellency Eng. Dawood AL HAJRI delivered a welcome note to the visiting delegation. In addition to the Executive Committee meeting Thomas WEIKERT ITTF Vice-President SHI Zhihao and ITTF CEO Judit FARAGO visited the offices of Dubai Sports Council on 12 March. Dubai Sport Council Secretary General His Excellency Saeed HAREB welcomed officials to discuss the growth of the game in Dubai and the possibility of the emirate hosting major table tennis events in the future. The ITTF Executive Committee decided to endorse the four applications received (Bahamas Cape Verde Eritrea and Guinea-Bissau) for consideration to be accepted as members of the ITTF at the Annual General Meeting to be held in Dusseldorf on 31 May 2017. Mr. WEIKERT will visit Guinea-Bissau the last applicant in April. Once the ITTF AGM accepts these four associations ITTF will be present in all countries in the world a total of 226 being the first international federation to do so. The ITTF Executive Committee revised the propositions and resolutions to be presented to the Annual General Meeting as well as confirming the adoption of the ITTF Ethics Code also for approval at the AGM The Marketing Department updated the ITTF Executive Committee on the deal recently signed with Seamaster as the Title Sponsor of the ITTF World Tour and also of the ITTF Challenge Chile Open and Brazil Open. The ITTF Executive Committee was also updated on the ITTF competition calendar and event allocations.The next meeting will take place prior to the AGM on 28 May 2017 in Dusseldorf Germany.
